Braving the Busch (Gardens) to see Elmo

I was a little leery about going to Busch Gardens' new
Sesame Street Safari of Fun attraction with my 3-year-old daughter and writing about it for the paper. Would she enjoy it, or would it be a disaster? After all, this is the child who refused to ride the pony at her friend's party or take pictures with theme park characters.

Still, I wanted to try it, and I'm so glad I did. She loved it and left wanting more. I'd recommend it to anyone with kids ages 3 to 5, give or take a year or two. Fellow Momma Sherry says that her 8 year old liked it but was actually too big for some of the activities.

I can see us coming back for an entire day or just a few hours, especially when the weather gets warmer. Between the rides, climbing stuff and water play areas, there's a lot to do. We spent two hours trying all of the activities, and we didn't even play in the water areas, which on a hot day could amuse kids for hours.

As a parent always looking for age-appropriate activities for my daughter, I was thrilled to have rides she could actually do on her own. Never once did I have to tell her she was too small. And even though she didn't like the mini roller coaster, I felt she would grow into it and eventually learn to love it.

I've never considered Busch Gardens much of a draw for little kids, but with the addition of Sesame Street, I certainly do. To read my full review, click here.

-- Susan Thurston, Times mom

[John Pendygraft -- Times: Air Grover takes off for preschoolers and their parents at Busch Gardens' Sesame Street Safari of Fun]

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